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Baaeed dazzled on the Knavesmire to maintain his unbeaten record with a dominant display in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
The four-year-old, trained by William Haggas, lined up with nine victories over a mile to his credit and matched the achievement of his sire, Sea The Stars, as he landed the feature Group One when tackling 10 furlongs for the first-time in his career.
Baaeed was held up in rear in the early stages by Jim Crowley as Ryan Moore aboard High Definition set the tempo and his big-race pilot was in no rush to push the button aboard the 2-5 favourite.
Crowley continued to keep his powder dry as the field entered the straight and as defending champion Mishriff made his move and hit the front, the famous Shadwell silks remained motionless stalking his prey.
With James Doyle shoving away on Mishriff with a furlong to go in the contest, it was left to Baaeed to glide to the front and gallop into the distance as he extended his record to a perfect 10 out of 10.
🔵⚪️ Baaeed – a perfect 10/10
🏆 G1 @JuddmonteFarms International
🏆 G1 Qatar Sussex Stakes
🏆 G1 Queen Anne Stakes
🏆 G1 Lockinge Stakes
🏆 G1 QEII Stakes
🏆 G1 Prix du Moulin
✅ 10 furlongs – no problem@JimCrowley1978 | @ShadwellStud | @hissa_hamdan | @yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/STZFWxSJzS— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 17, 2022
Crowley told ITV Racing: “I just couldn’t believe it. I’ve always known he was there, from day one, the very first time I rode him at Newmarket, I knew he was a bit special then.
“It is very hard to say things like that because you can always get beaten and every horse is beatable.
“But he just has everything – he is the perfect racehorse. I’m not joking, I think he could win a July Cup up to a mile and a half. He has everything. He is an easy ride and was on it today. He took a nice hold going down to the start.
“He is not ground dependent – he is just the perfect racehorse.”
“It was great. I was always in control. I will never find another horse like this again.
“He is as good as the greats.”
Haggas added: “Just give him credit for what he does – don’t compare him to (2012 winner) Frankel. It was a superlative performance and very satisfying to see him on the bridle a furlong and a half out. It proves he gets the trip.
“I was tense. I was happy with him. We had a little scare with a veterinary issue before the race, which I will deal with later, and those sort of things add to a bit of pressure. All my family are here and my darling wife is laid up at home – I hope this makes her feel better.
“He will go for the Champion Stakes at Ascot. He can’t do both (the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Champion Stakes), and we wanted our finale in the Champion Strakes and that has always been the plan.
“It was a spectacular performance and I’m glad now that everyone will believe me. We think he is fantastic and have felt so for some time. Sure, I have been slow to get him up in trip, but he has been so dominant at a mile. Why? Because this was a perfect opportunity, he clearly stays it well.
“He has just got a fabulous engine and a fabulous temperament. And, as I have said a few times, finding me another one is going to be the tricky bit.”
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